Can Spring Be Far Away????????

~~~Finished~~~
March 2, 2007

Was able to do a couple more rounds on this piece. I love the colors -- they make me feel good ;-)

February 28, 2007

If I ever doubted that the weather has influence on what we choose to create -- well, I don't doubt it any longer after looking back through the items I have begun this winter. This Pansy brooch reflects my anticipation of Spring -- although, if I had been in a glum mood with the snow, cold, sleet, etc., it could have easily taken a different route. Hopefully, my piece with the lovely soft colors of spring reflect my hope and anticipation of time to come. This was started last night while taking a "break" from working on a crazy quilt block.

Tiny Beaded Butterfly

Finished

February 25, 2007

Second little butterfly begun. I've had this pretty butterfly button for a long time and decided to use it on one of the little "quilt blocks". Will finish this this afternoon or tonight ---

February 21, 2007




Finished







Here is the beginning of my first beaded butterfly square (1 1/2 by 1 1/2 inches) for the Bead It Forward ~ Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer beaded quilt auction.

You will find more information and entry information on Jeannette’s website where she has posted photos of beaded squares that have already been submitted, and the four beaded quilts already completed.

Did a little more work on the butterfly tonight.
Yes, I know, I am flitting back and forth between projects -- the butterfly, the paisley and 2 crazy quilt blocks. I will get them all finished ;-)

Paisley

I did a bit more on this piece -- so far it is a silver and gold piece -- now what to do with the center?






These little pins are sooooo addicting.
Here's a beginning of a new paisley shaped one.

Little Miss Sunshine

I was able to finish "Little Miss Sunshine" tonight. She was a lot of fun to create -- I keep learning so much with each pin/doll I do. Since we had more snow overnight, "Sunshine's" face - the greens and yellows - with a touch of pink flowers and leaves, brings a bit of spring into the house.

~~~BEAD IT FORWARD~~~ Bead artists against breast cancer

Bead it Forward

Jeanette Shanigan of Wasilla, Alaska has a wonderful project for anyone wanting to contribute to breast cancer research.

Bead Artists Against Breast Cancer

This project, "Beaded Quilts" (30 squares each) to be auctioned at the next Bead & Button show, with all proceeds going to breast cancer research. The theme is: Metamorphosed Like the Butterfly. Size for these tiny beaded squares is: 1.5 inches square, with 1/4 inch border. Base material is white pellon ~ Peltex 70 Ultra Firm Stabalizer
Due date is: April 1, 2007

Check Jeannette’s website where she has posted photos of beaded squares that have already been submitted, and the three beaded quilts already completed.

Information for donating a beaded square can be found here. If link doesn't work copy & paste this one: http://tinyurl.com/2bum43

A little more progress -- now for the embellishments and maybe some danglies -- this is the fun part ;-)

Little Miss Sunshine

I had so much fun making the spirit doll called "Spring" that I couldn't stop working with the cheery greens and yellows and am now working on a pin called "Little Miss Sunshine". You can see her beginnings in the photo above. The base for this pin is Lacy's Stiff Stuff that I spot dyed yellow.

Is it spring yet?

Today has been super cold -- tonight to get to -10 degrees F or colder -- and that doesn't take in to account the wind chill factor. The day wasn't made any better with the Bears loss to the Colts in the Super Bowl --- but, on a good note, I decided to work on something cheerful that made me think of warm weather -- so the time spent in front of the TV was shared with my bead tray -- and while the Bears didn't do too well, I feel I had a great afternoon -- was able to bead this little spirit/goddess doll -- she has been dubbed "Is it spring yet?" ~~ but I will call her "Spring" for short. She was a lot of fun to do and her cheerful colors made my day.

Here is a close up of Spring's face -- the beading wasn't complete here -- but you get the idea. This was a good lesson in beads. As you can see, the yellow beads are not symmetrical-- they are some of the first beads I purchased -- and not of very good quality -- the pink and green beads close to the face are "good" beads, the pink and green beads around the body are not a good quality either -- and the difference is very obvious. Since Spring is going to live with me, I will leave her as she is -- who's perfect, after all? She will be a reminder to me to use the best beads I can.

Here is a little beaded pin I made for a gift.